Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Her World Singapore

I used to love riding on roller coasters. Between the ages of six and 26, there was hardly a high-speed ride that I wouldn’t dare try. I still recall clearly the excitement of finally meeting the height requirements and the rush of adrenaline on my first swinging Pirate Ship ride as a child. My love for theme parks runs deep, and even right now, I am planning my next trip to Tokyo Disneysea to visit the newly opened Fantasy Springs. But I have to admit that it has been a while since I last sat on an actual loop-the-loop roller coaster (the ones with 360-degree turns). What is it about growing up that makes us more fearful? The fairground isn’t the only place where I find myself holding back. Call…

I’ve been playing with Barbies since 1984. She wasn’t just a girl’s toy to five-year-old me. In my mind, she was He-Man’s girlfriend. A giant in the world of G.I. Joe. Optimus Prime’s sidekick. The toy box soon had five Barbies. Then 10. When I was a teenager, a journalist wrote an article about my “collection” of 250 dolls in my Barbie Dreamhouse. It was newsworthy at the time, because in 1996, boys didn’t play with dolls. I have since amassed 12,000 Barbies, and was featured in the Asia Book of Records for owning Asia’s largest Barbie doll collection – a collection that keeps growing today, because Barbie’s relevance and beauty continue to bring me joy. Eventually, I became part of a fan-driven Barbie enthusiast group in Singapore. Around 20…

In his final collection for Celine, creative director Hedi Slimane’s referenced the photographs of Richard Avedon, who was his friend and mentor. The collection – named “La Collection de l’Arc de Triomphe” – paid homage to the silhouettes of the late 1960s. It was the decade of “youthquake”, according to the late fashion columnist Diana Vreeland, and there was a spirit of rebellion in the air. Miniskirts were the rage, and at Celine, hemlines were sensationally short on skirt suits and dresses. The ’60s references continued with knee-high boots, faux fur jackets, pea coats, statement felt caps, pearl details, and polo necks. Calling the decade “the golden age of Celine”, Slimane always had an affinity for the ’60s – and so did many other fashion designers, including Marc Jacobs. In…

PRETTY POWERFUL Lean into the feminine ballet pinks, luscious lilacs and soft buttery yellows by way of prim cardigans at Prada and draped midi dresses at Victoria Beckham. Our tip? Choose styles that are more tailored and structured for an office-appropriate look. BUSINESS RESORT Tunics are typically more suited for weekend brunches or a stylish tropical vacation, but they can have a place in your office wardrobe when paired with knee-high boots or a structured blazer. THE POWER OF THREE The oversized Saint Laurent blazer and pencil skirt combo is a timeless boardroom outfit. This time around, designers have taken a softer – yet still professional – approach to the skirt suit, championing three-piece knits, as seen at Ferragamo.…

Dior’s history is full of symbols and motifs that have become synonymous with the maison, but none more so than the majestic rose, which has proven to be a muse across its product lines, from haute couture and fragrance to jewellery and watches. Its exalted position within the maison is a tribute to Monsieur Christian Dior himself, whose parents bought a pink-walled villa in Normandy, France, in 1905, the year he was born. Called Les Rhumbs, the villa was perched on a cliff, affording the family a vantage view of the coast. To further amplify this effect, his mother cultivated rose bushes in the surrounding land, creating a lush garden for the family. In fact, when Monsieur Dior bought his own house, Chateau de la Colle Noire, outside of Cannes,…

Running clubs have been picking up pace lately, with many enthusiasts joining these interest groups. Communities like Puma Nitro Run Club and Happy Pace Club generate excitement on platforms like Telegram and Instagram, where they regularly share updates on upcoming weekly runs and events. Azfarkhan, 29, one of the first Big Boyz Run Club members – a running community founded in July this year with members ranging from 20 to 50 years old – started running to stay motivated and accountable to his fitness goals. What began as a group of 15 has since grown into a community of 80 (and counting). “I think running clubs are popular right now, especially because of social media,” he says. “You get to have fun while staying healthy.” Joining a running club can…

Dark feminine energy is the latest fashion and beauty trend adored by celebrities and taking over our social media feeds as we enter Fall/Winter. As the name suggests, it reflects a rebellion against the barely there, clean girl aesthetic of the past year. In fashion, it means swopping out candy-coloured fits for sultry noir ensembles. On the beauty front, entering your dark feminine era will see you rocking a bold, wine red lipstick or embracing smoky eye makeup. “It’s a trend anyone can pull off, and is perfect for date nights, red carpet events, or even company dinners,” says makeup artist Lasalle Lee. To achieve this look, Jenny Goh, makeup artist at 2AM Makeup Studio, advises focusing on either your eyes or lips to avoid an over-the-top appearance. Also, the…

One of the perks of shopping at beauty counters is that you get to try different products before deciding what to buy. Want to change your shade of lipstick for your new job? Why not experiment with different hues? Not sure if the latest colour trending on social media is for you? Sample it at the store first. Today, more beauty brands are offering services such as makeovers, skin analyses, massages and facials, in addition to their suite of products. These immersive in-store services enhance the consumer experience – by offering more than just products – and also push brands to come up with a host of new ones for customers. Jenny Cheah, managing director at Sephora South-east Asia, India, Oceania and South Korea, shares that this is a result…

Adult acne often has deeper roots than teenage acne. In our teens, breakouts are usually linked to increased oil production due to hormonal changes. Teen acne is generally temporary, and our skin tends to bounce back quickly with age and the right skincare. However, adult acne often stems from a mix of hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and even underlying health issues. As skin loses collagen and elasticity with age, breakouts can get more persistent and leave stubborn marks. Hence, we need to approach adult acne with a bit more care. The role of hormones Fluctuations in hormones – often related to menstruation, pregnancy or even menopause – can trigger acne. For example, right before your period arrives, your body produces more androgens (like testosterone), which lead to increased oil production.…

MORE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR SINGLES Singaporeans now have expanded access to public housing options. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) introduced a new classification system for Build-to-Order (BTO) projects, categorising them into Standard, Plus and Prime tiers to reflect locational attributes, while ensuring affordability. Previously, first-time single applicants could only apply for two-room Flexi BTO flats in non-mature estates, and were excluded from Prime flats. Now, singles aged 35 and above can apply for two-room Flexi BTO flats in all locations (Standard, Plus, and Prime). They can also purchase resale flats, including Standard or Plus flats of any size (except 3Gen) and two-room Prime flats. The income ceiling for singles applying for BTO flats is $7,000, and eligible first-time buyers can apply for CPF Housing Grants. PARENTS OF NEWBORNS GET…

It’s 2023 and Jean Goh, better known as Jean Seizure, is standing in front of a huge billboard on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, Los Angeles – her arms wide open, and a slight smile forming on her face. The 33-year-old has been named the first-ever South-east Asia Spotify Glow Artist representing all of Asia, and she is etching this punchy image of the pixelated campaign in her memory forever. Her image also concurrently appeared on Times Square’s famous billboard in New York in the same year. “I met Lelan (songwriter and pop singer) in Los Angeles, who wrote a lot of songs for artistes like Troye Sivan. It was really nice because the trip is for the Glow campaign (a global music programme celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists…

1. Ginkgo leather clutch, Bvlgari In her debut collection for Bvlgari as its new creative director of leather goods and accessories, Mary Katrantzou reinterpreted the intricate mosaics of Rome’s Terme di Caracalla, specifically the iconic fan-shaped polychrome design, in playful and glamorous ways. She explains: “The motif, a sensuously curving fan, embodies a compelling femininity and universality, connecting with other cultures and meanings. It links to the ginkgo leaf and the calla lily.” 2. Tiffany Hardwear small single wrap yellow gold necklace, $25,000, Tiffany & Co. The New York brand recently introduced eight new Tiffany Hardwear styles and three new Hardwear timepieces. We love the versatility of the necklaces, whether worn short, long, or layered with another piece, as they never fail to make a statement. Inspired by a bracelet…

Many jokes have been made about the “SG uniform” of the Singapore man. You know exactly what it is – the ubiquitous Uniqlo Airism cotton oversized T-shirt paired with shorts and flip-flops. It has become so commonplace that even Uniqlo makes #ifyouknowyouknow references to this SG uniform in its promotional materials, sometimes even launching Singapore-exclusive colourways of this baggy tee for the local market. Yet, while we may poke fun at the predictability of men’s fashion, the same could also be said of the typical Singapore woman’s style, which critics might describe as cookie-cutter and – gasp – boring! From white sneakers paired with flowy midi shift dresses to loose sleeveless tops tucked into high-waisted wide-legged culottes or trousers, the aesthetic seems uniform, and the colour palette rarely strays from…

Feon Ng’s leadership journey at Linkedin has been marked by a strong commitment to empowering women. Her passion for gender equality and her ability to inspire others have led her to play a pivotal role in various initiatives aimed at supporting the professional development of women. “I think I am more of a vocal but kind leader. I also believe that a good leader is a good follower. I understand what our global initiatives are, and can figure out how to make it right for our region,” she shares. Recognising the challenges faced by young women in the workplace, Feon established the Empowerin mentorship programme to provide guidance, support and opportunities for professional development. Over the years, this initiative has helped nearly 200 female leaders expand their networks and advance…

The first thing that struck me upon arriving in Mongolia was how much time I suddenly had on my hands. There were the long periods spent in our van, getting from one place to the next. The hours without mobile reception. The restless feeling of not having a packed schedule. My friends and I had come to Mongolia in anticipation of a 15-day adventure exploring its volcanoes and vast steppes, and learning about its rich and storied nomadic culture. However, what we didn’t anticipate was having to unlearn our very Singaporean attitude of wanting to “optimise” our holiday by sightseeing as much as possible. By the end of the trip, we had fully unwound ourselves from this mindset, and learnt to relish the moments in between. “We will get there…

1. Clarins Precious Oil-in-Serum, $520 This serum-in-oil hybrid works hard as you sleep, melting into skin to imbue your complexion with skin-loving ingredients like fortifying wakame extract, nourishing rose hip oil, and hydrating moonstone silica. It also boasts a patented microfluidic technology that preserves the integrity and potency of its active ingredients. 2. Coulisse Heir Chemic Relief Hair Mask, $107 There’s a reason why the Chemic Relief Hair Mask is so beloved (in fact, it earned the coveted title of Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair at the recent Her World Beauty Awards). Free of nasties such as sulphates and silicones, and enriched with strengthening vitamins and minerals, this mask can revive lacklustre, chemically treated hair. 3. Coty Fragrance Era Box, $99 Designed by Malaysia-born fashion illustrator Clayrene Chan, this…

The skin around our eyes is thinner than most other parts of our face. With fewer sebaceous glands in this area, our eyes might feel a little dry and in need of hydration at times. Like the rest of our skin, the eye area is also susceptible to ultraviolet rays and other harmful elements, explains Dr Rachel Ho, medical director of La Clinic. All these are reasons for us to take good care of our peepers. While there are no guidelines as to when we should start using anti-ageing skincare for the face, Dr Ho recommends starting as early as in our 20s. That’s because “signs of ageing around the eyes – like wrinkles and dark spots – can appear from our mid 20s”. “The skin around the eyes is…

Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry. Warm oakwood and rich patchouli anchor the fragrance, leaving a captivating trail that lingers. Barenia’s supple leather texture and metallic accents are a nod to the women of the Roaring ’20s. Like the iconic Collier de Chien bracelet, which once symbolised women’s liberation, Barenia is designed for the modern woman who embodies strength, freedom and fearless femininity. Barenia by Hermes is priced at $229 (60ml) and $311 (100ml). Hermes.com…

I stood awkwardly in front of a gaudy collage of naked women in various suggestive poses. To my left, the exit sign glowed brightly, beckoning. To my right, my date was mansplaining why, out of all the artworks in this cavernous exhibition, this was his favourite. My eyes glazed over, arms folded across my chest. “Purgatory” felt like the word of the evening. Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about a second date. After we left the art gallery, he flagged down a passing cab, hopped in, and left me standing on the street with an unceremonious “goodbye”. I would have done the same, except he beat me to it. That was in 2014. That evening still tops my list as one of the worst in my brief dating history.…

Professional powerlifter Farhanna Farid has been on a winning streak, smashing multiple world records and sweeping medals since she started entering international competitions in 2018. Not even a back injury could take this powerhouse down, though it certainly was a grave concern for her. The 32-year-old recalls how she bounced back from the crippling injury in April last year to crush a powerlifting world record within two months. The incident shook her confidence initially, and she nearly quit the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships in Malta in June. But with sheer determination and support from her coach and loved ones, she recovered in time to compete, lifting a record-breaking 203kg in the under-52kg category. “Coming out stronger after this pushed me to my boundaries and made me realise there’s another…

1. Fitted and oh-so-fine Yes, you can wear a leather jacket to work. Just be sure to choose a style that’s tailored to your body. Miuccia Prada demonstrated this perfectly at Prada, styling a fitted leather jacket with a prim midi skirt, complete with a bow. This is a perfect workwear option if you’re stuck in an air-conditioned office 9-to-5, but be sure to choose a lightweight leather like soft lambskin or faux leather, which are more practical options for our tropical climate. 2. A winning whimsical look Bet you didn’t think the words “whimsical” and “leather” would be paired together in a sentence. At Loewe, creative director JW Anderson broke all stereotypes of the masculine bomber jacket by pairing an oversized leather version in burgundy (a standout colour this…

Living on her own since she was just 14 years old, Helen Shen, group head of Health at Singlife, had to quickly learn how to be independent as an only child, especially when it came to managing money. Her parents had divorced early on, and her mother was setting up an oil and gas business in Guangzhou – only flying back on weekends to check on her. “I think that really gave me the ability to manage my funds. This was many, many years ago, before Paylah!. She’d put a few hundred bucks in a drawer. If I ran out of money, I really had to deal with that. I had to eat less McDonald’s, and eat more cai fan (mixed rice). I gained the ability to budget, and to…

How do I champion social causes and injustices without landing in hot water? Engaging in online discourse allows you to amplify your reach to a regional and global audience instantly. It connects you with like-minded individuals and organisations that support your cause. Creating thoughtful posts challenge stereotypes, highlight systemic problems, and present data or stories that educate your audience and spark meaningful conversations. When done mindfully, online engagement creates a community of supporters who share your values, strengthening your cause, and leading to real-world actions and collaborations. However, while it offers a powerful platform to raise awareness and drive change, it comes with risks if not handled thoughtfully. For example: It often simplifies complex issues. Social media’s short-form nature can result in statements being taken out of context, leading to…

Hyaluronic acid is often touted as a “miracle ingredient” because of its deep hydration benefits, but how much do we actually know about this ingredient, and how does it actually help our skin? Dr Rachel Ho, medical director at La Clinic, describes hyaluronic acid as a large sugar molecule that is made up of smaller sugar units. She says: “Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body, in organs like the joints, eyes and skin. In the skin, the majority of it lies in the dermis (the inner layer of skin).” As it is a humectant – a substance that retains moisture – hyaluronic acid is commonly found in moisturisers, hydrating serums, masks, and injectable moisturisers and dermal fillers. According to Dr Ho, hyaluronic acid has anti-ageing properties, even at…

CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE THE SERUM, FROM $290 The Serum is a perennial favourite among beauty enthusiasts for good reason. The first step in the brand’s Key Radiance Care routine, The Serum promotes Skin Intelligence – which taps on skin’s inherent ability to regenerate with positive stimuli, and build resilience against negative stimuli – and the absorption of skincare products that follow. Based on new scientific findings on sensor proteins and their importance in preventing skin damage and combating negative stimuli (such as pollution, stress and UV rays), the Japanese skincare brand has reformulated the beloved serum with two new skin-strengthening additions: lemon myrtle and radiant lily concentrate. The former aids in skin recovery to combat signs of ageing, while the latter boosts the regenerative prowess of sensor proteins in…